Simulated golf game

ABSTRACT

A simulated golf game includes a simulated golf course comprising a plurality of golf holes, a direction and distance plotter, and a chance apparatus. The golf holes include a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from a green portion through a fairway portion to a tee portion, and a plurality of par four and par five holes each including a green portion and a fairway portion extending from the green portion to a truncated end. Each golf hole is provided with reference indicia, and the direction and distance plotter is provided with cooperating reference indicia, whereby the direction and distance plotter is correctly aligned relative to the golf holes. The chance aperature comprises a drum defining a series of axially spaced rings each corresponding either to a particular golf shot or a type of golf shot. The rings of the drum are in turn divided into a series of circumferentially extending segments each designating either a direction and distance on the plotter or the result of the golf shot. By this means the chance apparatus cooperates with the distance and direction plotter to determine the path of each player over each golf hole. The simulated golf course is disposed on the opposite sides of a flexible playing surface having outer surfaces formed from a plastic material, whereby the path of each player may be indicated with a colored pencil, etc. and the playing surface may be cleaned prior to reuse.

United States Patent [191 Lowther June 25, 1974 1 SIMULATED GOLF GAME Robert C. Lowther, 1919 Andrews St., Alexandria, La. 71301 22 Filed: Nov. 21,1972

21 App1.No.:308,604

[76] Inventor:

Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner--Theatrice Brown Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richards, Harris & Medlock [57] ABSTRACT A simulated golf game includes a simulated golf course comprising a plurality of golf holes, a direction and distance plotter, and a chance apparatus. The golf holes include a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from a green portion through a fairway portion to a tee portion, and a plurality of par four and par five holes each including a green portion and a fairway portion extending from the green portion to a truncated end. Each golf hole is provided with reference indicia, and the direction and distance plotter is provided with cooperating reference indicia, whereby the direction and distance plotter is correctly aligned relative to the golf holes. The chance aperature comprises a drum defining a series of axially spaced rings each corresponding either to a particular golf shot or a type of golf shot. The rings of the drum are in turn divided into a series of circumferentially extending segments each designating either a direction and distance on the plotter or the result of the golf shot. By this means the chance apparatus cooperates with the distance and direction plotter to determine the path of each player over each. golf hole. The simulated golf course is disposed on the opposite sides of a flexible playing surface having outer surfaces formed from a plastic material, whereby the path of each player may be indicated with a colored pencil, etc. and the playing surface may be cleaned prior to reuse.

14 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 1 SIMULATED GOLF GAME BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a simulated golf game, and more particularly to a simulated golf game having a high degree of realism while being easy and convenient to play.

A great variety of simulated golf games have been designed heretofore. Many of these games include a simulated golf course comprising a number of golf holes, and apparatus for plotting the path of each player over the simulated golf course. Typically some form of chance apparatus is provided for use in determining both the direction and the distance of each golf shot. In many instances the change apparatus is weighted so as to provide a greater degree of realism in the simulated golf game.

Notwithstanding the various attempts at providing a workable simulated golf game, a number of problems have remained unsolved. Thus, the simulated golf course is typically arranged on a relatively rigid game board and comprises as many as eighteen golf holes. These golf holes are generally arranged to full scale and in a more or less random pattern so as to fit within the confines of the game board. It has been found that such a practice results either in the golf holes comprising a simulated golf course being drawn to an undesirably small scale, or the necessity of using an undesirably large game board so as to accomodate all of the golf holes.

Problems have also been encountered with respect to the chance apparatus of the various prior art simulated golf games. In some cases, numerous factors including hook or slice, push or pull, vertical elevation, etc., have been taken into account in constructing a chance apparatus for a simulated golf game. This renders the chance apparatus so unduly complicated that the golf game is beyond the grasp of children and is boring and uninteresting to adults. Other chance apparatus have include a number of inserts each corresponding to one of the golf clubs that are commonly used in playing golf. It has been found that the use of such inserts is not only inconvenient, but also results in a number of small piece parts which are readily lost, etc.

The present invention comprises a simulated golf game which overcomes the foregoing and other disadvantages that are characteristic of the prior art. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention, a simulated golf game comprises a simulated golf course including a plurality of golf holes all on the same scale, a direction and distance plotter adapted to overlie the golf holes of the simulated golf course, and a chance apparatus adapted for cooperation with the direction and distance plotter to determine the path followed by each player over the simulated golf course.

The simulated golf course includes a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from a green portion through a fairway portion to a tee portion. The course also includes a plurality of par four and par five holes each including a green portion and a fairway portion extending therefrom. The fairway portions of the par four and par five holes are all truncated at the end.

opposite the green portion by the same predetermined distance. This permits the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course to be drawn on a relatively large scale while simultaneously maintaining the overall dimensions of the simulated golf course within reasonable limits.

Each par three hole comprising the simulated golf course includes a reference point in the tee portion and a reference point in the green portion. The par four and par five holes each comprise a reference point at the truncated end, a reference point in the fairway portion, and a reference point in the green'portion. The direction and distance plotter of the simulated golf game comprises a first reference point adapted for alignment with the reference points of the tee portions of the par three holes, a second reference point adapted for alignment with the reference points at the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes, and a third reference point adapted for alignment with the reference points in the fairway and green portions of the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course. By this means the direction and distance plotter is properly aligned with each golf hole and is thereafter utilized in conjunction with the chance apparatus to determine the path of each player thereover.

The direction and distance plotter of the simulated golf game comprises a plurality of arcuately arranged direction lines. Each direction line is divided by distance indications arranged on the same scale as the golf holes. The distance and direction. plotter also includes a scale for determining distances on the green portions of the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course and thereby facilitating putts.

The chance apparatus comprises a drum adapted for I rotation about its axis. The periphery of the drum is divided into a plurality of axially spaced rings most of which correspond to a particular golf club. Each ring is in turn divided into a plurality of circumferentially extending segments each corresponding either to one of the direction lines and a particular distance indication on the distance and direction plotter or to the results of a particular golf shot. Certain of the rings of the drum are also utilized for putts, trouble shots, etc. The drum is substantially enclosed by a housing having an aperture adapted to simultaneously expose one segment of each ring of the drum. Detent apparatus is provided for terminating each rotation of the drum with a randomly selected segment of each ring exposed through the aperture through the housing. It will thus be understood that the path of each player over each golf hole of the simulated golf course is actually determined by the chance apparatus and that the distance and direction plotter is employed as maid in charting the paths of the players.

In accordance with a more specific aspect of the invention, the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course are printed on the opposite sides of a playing surface comprising a flexible sheet. At least the outer surfaces of the sheet are formed from a plastic material so as to permit marking of the golf holes to plot the path of each player over the simulated golf course and to permit subsequent cleaning of the sheet prior to re use. By this means there is provided a playing surface which is adapted for long-term use and at the same time is adapted to be rolled up to facilitate storage. For example, the playing surface may be rolled around the drum of the chance apparatus, whereby the entire simulated golf game may be stored in an extremely small space.

In accordance with another specific aspect of the invention, at least some of the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course are provided with golfing hazards, such as water hazards, sand traps, trees, etc. In accordance with the rules of the game it is sometimes necessary for a player to drop after encountering one of these hazards. To this end at least the par four and par five holes are each provided with at least one auxiliary reference point. The auxiliary reference points are utilized similarly to the main reference points to position the direction and distance plotter over the golf holes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a simulated golf game incorporating the invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portion of the playing surface of the simulated golf game;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the direction and distance plotter of the simulated golf game;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a chance apparatus of the simulated golf game; and

FIG. 5 is a partial development of the chance drum utilized in the chance apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a simulated golf game incorporating the invention. The simulated golf game It) consists of three main component parts including a playing surface 12, a direction and distance plotter 14, and a chance apparatus 16. The playing surface 12 defines a simulated golf course 18 comprising a plurality of golf holes 20. The simulated golf game 10 is played by means of the direction and distance plotter l4 and the chance apparatus 16 which are jointly utilized to plot the path of each player over the simulated golf course 18.

In one embodiment of the invention the simulated golf course 18 comprises eighteen golf holes 20, with nine of the golf holes 20 being displayed on each side of the playing surface 12. Each side of the playing surface 12 is further provided with a margin portion 22 which may be utiized to display the rules of the simulated golf game 10. The margin portion 22 may also in clude score keeping facilities for the simulated golf game 10, if desired.

The playing surface 12 further comprises several physical features which have been found to be highly advantageous. First, the playing surface 12 preferably comprises a flexible sheet having at least its major surfaces coated with one of the hard, smooth plastic materials. This permits the use of a colored pencil, flow pen or similar marking instrument both to chart the paths followed by the various players over the simulated golf course 18 and in score keeping. Later, when the golf game has been completed, the playing surface 12 may be cleaned to permit re-use. By this means the use of disposable score pads, etc. which have been required in many prior art simulated golf games is completely eliminated. This is advantageous in that there is no need for the retailer to stock replacements, etc. Also, there is no danger that the simulated golf game 10 will become non-usable simply because a replaceable item therefore is no longer available.

The flexibility of the playing surface 12 provides an additional advantage of the present invention. The playing surface 12 is preferably sufficiently narrow to be received within the chance apparatus 16 and wrapped around the chance drum thereof. The direction and distance plotter 14 of the simulated golf game 10 is also adapted for storage within the chance apparatus 16. By this means the entire simulated golf game 10 may be stored within a very small volume. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the elimination of a relatively rigid game board from the present invention is highly desireable, not only from the standpoint of storage of the ultimate consumer, but also from the standpoint of transportation, storage and sales display prior to the purchase of the game by the consumer.

A more complete understanding of the simulated golf game 10 and particularly the simulated golf course 18 thereof may be had by referring to FIG. 2. The golf holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18 are all drawn to exactly the same scale and include a plurality of par three holes 20 and a plurality of par four and par five holes 20". Each of the par three holes 20 includes a green portion 24 and a fairway portion 26 extending full length from the green portion 24 to a tee portion 28. The tee portion 28 of each par three hole includes a reference point 30, and the green portion 24 of each par three hole includes a reference point 32. As will become more apparent hereinafter, the reference points 30 and 32 of the par three holes 20 are utilized in conjunction with the direction and distance plotter 14 of the simulated golf game 10 to plot the path of each player over the various par three holes 20.

The par four and par five holes 20" of the simulated golf course 18 are similar to the par three holes 20 in that each par four and par five hole 20 includes a green portion 34 and a fairway portion 36 extending from the green portion 34. However, the fairway portions 36 of the par four and par five holes 20" do not extend full length. To the contary, the fairway portions 36 of the par four and par five holes 20" extend to truncated ends 38. The truncated ends 38 of the par four and par five holes 20" represent a shortening of each par four and par five hole 20 of the simulated golf course 18 by an identical amount comprising the scale distance of yards.

The shortening of the par four and par five holes 20 of the simulated golf course 18 has been found to afford a number of very distinctive advantages. First, the shortening of the par four and par five holes comprising the simulated golf course results in a marked reduction of the overall size of the playing surface 12. This is important not only in reducing manufacturing costs, but also in permitting storage of the playing surface -12 within the chance apparatus 16 in the manner described hereinbefore.

The second and perhaps most important advantage that is derived from the shortening of the par four and par five holes 20" comprising the simulated golf course of the simulated golf game 10 relates to the layout of the golf holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18. It has been found that when all of the par four and par five holes are shortened by the same amount, the arrangement of the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course 18 is much more compact, and is therefore much more pleasing to the eye than would be the case if all of the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course 18 were to extend full length. This is in turn believed to be highly desirable insofar as the overall enjoyment derived from playing the simulated golf game is concerned.

The par four and par five holes of the simulated golf course 18 may also be differentiated from the par three holes 20 in that each of the par four and par five holes comprises three reference indicia. These include a reference arrow 40 at the truncated end 38 of the fairway portion 36, a reference point 42 which is generally centrally disposed relative to the fairway portion 36, and a reference point 44 in the green portion 34. Like the reference points and 32 of the par three holes 20', the reference indicia 40, 42 and 44 of the par four and par five holes 20" are utilized in conjunction with the direction and distance plotter 14 of the simulated golf game 10 to plot the path of each player over the par four and par five holes 20" of the simulated golf course 118.

Notwithstanding the foregoing differences between the par three holes 20 and the par four and par five holes 20", all of the golf holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18 have certain common characteristic features. Thus, each of the holes is provided with a series of arcuate lines 50, 52, and 54 indicating scaled distances of 50 yards, 75 yards and 100 yards, respectively, from the reference point of the green portion of the golf hole. Each golf hole 20 is also provided with one or more sand traps 56 adjacent its green portion.

Selected golf holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course l8 may also be provided with various golfing hazards in addition to the traps 56 adjacent the green portions of the golf holes. For example, water hazards 58 extend through and adjacent to certain golf holes of the simulated golf course. Many of the golf holes are also provided with fairway traps 60 and trees 62. In the case of the par four and par five holes 20", at least one auxiliary reference point 64 referred to as a drop point is provided in the vicinity of the fairway traps 60 and the trees 62. Finally, various portions of the simulated golf course 18 are designated as out-of-bounds areas 66.

The direction and distance plotter 14 of the simulated golf game 10 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. The plotter l4 comprises a generally triangularly shaped body formed from one of the various flexible plastic materials. The plotter 14 includes an arcuate array of direction slots 70 which are enumerated along the upper edge of the plotter 14 by the digits 0 through 6, respectively. It will be understood that the slots five and six of the plotter 14 comprise the outer edges of the device.

Each of the direction indicating slots 70 of the direction and distance plotter 14 is provided with a series of distance indicia 72. These distance indicia are utilized on the fairway portions of the golf holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18, and extend between scaled distances of 100 yards and 290 yards. Distances on the green portions of the golf holes 20 are measured by a separate putting scale 74 extending along one edge of the plotter 14. The putting scale 74 is graduated into distances of under 6 feet, 6 to l 1 feet, 12 to 17 feet, 18 to 35 feet, 35 to 53 feet, and 54 to 74 feet. Both the distance indicia 72 and the putting scale 54 are arranged in accordance with exactly the same scale as are the various holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18.

The direction and distance plotter 14 further comprises a series of three reference indicia which are utilized to position the plotter 14 relative to the holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18. The first reference indicia of the plotter 14 comprises an aperture 76. The aperture 76 is utilized in conjunction with the reference point 30 of the par three holes 20'. The aperture 76 is also utilized for second and subsequent shots on the fairway portions 36 of the par four and par five holes 20". The second reference indicia of the plotter 14 comprises an arrow 58 adjacent the 100 yard mark of the distance indicia 72. The arrow 78 is utilized in conjunction with the arrows 40 at the truncated ends 38 of the par four and par five holes 20" to position the plotter 14 for initial shots on the par four and par five holes 20". Thus, the narrow end of the plotter 14 is always positioned either by means of the aperture 76 or the arrow 78. The third reference indicia of the plotter 14 comprises the direction slot indicated by the digit zero along the upper edge of the plotter 14. The reference slot 70' is utilized in each instance to position the wide portion of the plotter 14.

The chance apparatus 16 of the similated golf game 10 is shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. The chance apparatus 16 comprises a drum 80 which is rotatively supported in a housing 82. As is best shown in FIG. 5, the periphery of the drum 80 is divided into a plurality of axially spaced rings 84. Each ring 84 is in turn divided into a series of circumferentially extending segments 86.

Referring to FIG. 4, the housing 82 of the chance apparatus 16 is provided with an aperture 88 whereby the drum 80 is adapted for manual rotation about its axis. The housing 82 further includes an elongated aperture adapted to simultaneously expose one segment 86 of each ring 84 of the drum 80. The chance apparatus 16 is further provided with detent means 92 whereby each rotation of the drum 80 is terminated with one segment 86 of each ring 84 of the drum 80 precisely aligned with the aperture 90 of the: housing 82. The detent means 92 of the chance apparatus 16 is preferably constructed in accordance with the invention disclosed and claimed in the co-pending application filed Nov. 11, 1972, Ser. No. 308,605.

The housing 82 is further provided with a series of legends 94 each corresponding directly to one of the rings 84 of the drum 80. Legends 94a through 94k, inclusive, and hence the rings 84a through 84k, inclusive, relate to various golf clubs commonly employed in playing the game of golf. The legends 94m through 94v inclusive, and hence the rings 84m through 84v, relate to long and short wedge shots, chip shots, and putts of various decreasing lengths, respec tively. Finally, legends 94w, 94x, and 94y, and hence the rings 84w, 84x, and 84y relate to trap shots, trouble shots, and attempts for a hole-in-one, respectively.

The simulated golf game 10 is played by positioning the direction and distance plotter 1.4 over the golf holes 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18. In the case of a par three golf hole 20, the plotter 14 is initially positioned over the hole by aligning the aperture 76 of the plotter 14 with the reference point v30 of the tee portion 28 of the hole, and then aligning the direction slot 70 of the plotter 14 with the reference 32 of the green por tion 24. In the case of a par four or par five hole 20", the plotter 14 is initially aligned by aligning the reference arrow 58 of the plotter 14 with the reference arrow 40 at the truncated end 38 of the fairway portion 36 of the hole, and then aligning the direction slot 70' with the reference point 42 on the fairway portion 36.

After the direction and distance plotter 14 has been aligned with a particular golf hole 20 comprising the simulated golf course 18, a golf club identified by one of the legends 94a through 94k is selected in accordance with the length of the golf hole. Thereafter the drum 80 of the chance apparatus 16 is engaged through the aperture 88 of the housing 82 and is manually rotated about its axis. Due to the detent mechanism 92, the rotation of the drum 80 is terminated with one of the circumferentially extending segments 86 of the particular ring 84a through 84k corresponding to the selected golf club exposed through the aperture 90 of the housing 82.

As is clearly shown in FIG. 5, each segment 86 of the rings 84a through 84k comprises a single digit number and a three digit number. The single digit number of each segment corresponds to one of the direction slots 50 of. the direction and distance plotter 14. On the other hand, the three digit number of the segment corresponds to the distance indicia 72 of the direction slots 70 of the direction and distance plotter 14. It will thus be understood that upon rotation of the drum 80, the direction and the distance of the initial shot over the particular golf hole 20 of the particular player is determined by whichever segment 86 corresponding to the selected golf club is exposed through the aperture 90.

Upon completion of the foregoing steps, the player making the shot preferably marks at least the terminal point of his initial shot directly on the playing surface 12 of the simulated golf game by means of a colored pencil, flow pen or the like. Thereafter the procedure is repeated until each player has made his initial shot. The direction and distance plotter 14 is then repositioned to facilitate the second shot of each player. This is accomplished by aligning the aperture 76 of the plotter 14 with the terminal point of the initial shot of the player and aligning the direction slot 70' with the reference point of the green portion of the golf hole. The player then selects an appropriate golf club depending on distance, and rotates the drum 80. The rotation of the drum is terminated by the detent means with one of the segments 86 corresponding to the selected golf club exposed through the aperture 90, whereupon both the direction and the distance of the second shot of the player are determined.

The foregoing procedure is repeated until the tenninal point of the path of a particular player over the golf hole is within the range of the outermost arcuate line 64. At this point the player may attempt a wedge shot or a chip shot, again depending on distance.

To make a wedge or chip shot, player selects the appropriate legend 94m, 94n, or 94p and rotates the drum 80. By this means one of the segments 86 of the selected ring 94m, 84n, or 84;) is exposed through the aperture 90. As is clearly shown in FIG. 5, the segments 86 comprising the rings 84m, 84n, and 84p bear distance indications only. These distance indications comprise the distance remaining to the reference point on the green portion of the hole following the wedge or chip shot.

When the terminal point of any shot of a particular player is on the green portion of the hole, the putting procedure of the golf game 10 is initiated. The first step of the putting procedure is to determine the distance between the terminal point of the last shot of the player and the reference point on the green portion. This is accomplished by means of the putting scale 74 of the direction and distance plotter l4. Thereafter, one of the legends 94g through 94v is selected depending on the distance between the terminal point of the last shot of the player and the reference point on the green portion. The drum is then rotated to expose one of the segments 86 of the rings 84g through 84v through the aperture 90.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the segments 86 comprising the rings 84g through 84v typically comprises either the indication GOOD or the indication MISS. The indication GOOD means that the putting procedure of the simulated golf game 10 has been completed with one putt. The indication MISS means that two putts have been required to complete the particular golf hole 20. Certain segments of the rings 84q through 8414, inclusive, bear the legend 3 PUIT. This means that three putts have been required to complete the particular golf hole 20.

The foregoing comprises a general explanation of the manner in which the golf game 10 is played. A more complete understanding of the various aspects of the simulated golf game 10 may be had by reference to the complete rules of the game as set forth on the margin portions 22 of the playing surface 12. These rules are as follows:

RULES All-Pro Golf is basically played according to US.- G.A. rules. Plotter is used for measuring direction and distance. Colored pencils are used for marking each shot.

Player starts by placing plotter in correct position and alignment from the tee marker. He then announces his club selection and spins the cylinder. The cylinder openin under his selection will indicate the direction and distance of his shot. For example; using a driver, it might read 2-254. This means he hit the ball on direction line 2, a distance of 254 yards. Following each shot, each player will mark the position of his ball on the course, using one of the four colored pencils enclosed.

PLOTIER POSITION On par four and par five holes, player positions plotter at yard marker over matching marks on tee, while aligning 0 slot on plotter over black dot on fairway. On par three holes, player positions plotter to place the hole in the end of the plotter directly over the dot on the tee, while aligning 0 slot over hole on the green.

FAIRWAY TRAPS AND TREES When ball touches or lands in fairway traps or trees, player must spin cylinder again for TROUBLE SHOT. If GOOD, player then announces his club selection, places plotter hole over his mark, spins cylinder a third time for his approach shot. If MISSED," player takes one stroke penalty, announces his club selection, places plotter over red. dot (drop area) and spins cylinder a third time for his approach shot.

WATER HAZARDS AND TRAP SHOTS When ball touches or lands in water, player marks ball directly behind point of entry, taking a one stroke penalty. When ball touches or lands in trap, player spins cylinder for TRAP SHOT on his next shot. Footage shown represents distance from pin.

OUT OF BOUNDS When any shot touches or goes beyond boundary, player takes a one stroke penalty plus distance and hits his third shot from his previous position.

CHIP SHOTS Chip shots cannot be made when player is farther than fifty yards from pin. On chip shots, distance shown is the distance from pin.

PUTTS When approach shot touches or lands on green, player uses putting scale on end of plotter to measure distance to pin, and selects appropriate putt for distance measured. If distance of putt is more than 74 feet, player still spins cylinder for 54-74 foot putt. When putt shows MISS, it is an automatic two putt.

HOLE IN ONE AND EAGLES On par three holes an ace is possible and on par four and par five holes an eagle is possible when direction and exact distance required for shot appears on cylinder. When this occurs, player spins cylinder a second time for a l-IOLE IN ONE. If MISS, the shot is an automatic birdie.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the present invention comprises a simulated golf game exhibiting numerous advantages over the prior art. Thus, games incorporating the invention are economical to manufacture and are adapted for storage in a relatively small space by the ultimate consumer. The game is readily understood and easily played, so as to provide entertainment both for children and for adults. At the same time, the present game simulates actual golf on a highly realistic basis, and is therefore interesting both to beginners and to accomplished golfers.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A simulated golf game comprising:

a playing surface comprising a plurality of golf holes all to the same scale and each including a fairway portion extending to a green portion;

said golf holes including a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from the green portion through the fairway portion to a tee portion and each including reference indicia on the tee portion and on the green portion;

said golf holes further including a plurality of par four and par five holes each having the end of the fairway portion opposite the green portion truncated by the same predetermined distance and each including reference indicia on the truncated end of the fairway portion, on the fairway portion, and on the green portion;

a distance and direction plotter adapted to overlie the golf holes of the playing surface and comprising a plurality of arcuately arranged direction lines each divided into distance indications having the same scale as the golf holes;

said distance and direction plotter further including first reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the tee portions of the par three holes, second reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes, and third reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the fairway portions and the green portions of the golf holes on the playing surface to properly align the distance and direction plotter with respect thereto; and

chance means adapted for actuation to select both one of the direction lines on the distance and direction plotter and one of the distance indications on the selected direction line whereby the path of a player over each golf hole is determined by the cooperation of the distance and direction plotter and the chance means.

2. The simulated golf game according to claim 1 wherein the chance means comprises:

a drum supported for rotation about its axis and comprising a plurality of axially spaced rings each corresponding to a particular golf club;

each of said rings on the drum in. turn being separated into a plurality of segments corresponding to one of the direction lines and a particular distance indication thereon of the distance and direction plotter; and

detent means for terminating each rotation of the drum with one of the segments of each ring in a particular orientation.

3. The simulated golf game according to claim 2 further including a housing enclosing the drum of the chance means and having an elongate aperture formed through it which extends parallel to the axis of the drum, and wherein the detent means functions to terminate each rotation of the drum with one of the segments of each ring exposed through the aperture of the housing.

4. The simulated golf game according to claim 1 wherein the distance and direction determining means further includes means for measuring the distance between the reference inidicia on the green portions of the simulated golf holes and the terminal point of the path of each player extending along the fairway portion to the green portion, and wherein the chance means further includes means for determining the number of putts necessary to complete the course of the golf ball to the reference indicia on the green in accordance with the distance between the terminus of the preceding portion of the path and the reference indicia on the green portion.

5. A simulated golf game comprising: a drum supported for rotation about its axis; means separating the periphery of the drum into a plurality of axially spaced rings each corresponding to a particular golf club and for separating each ring into a plurality of circumferentially spaced segments each corresponding to a particular golf shot direction and distance;

a housing substantially enclosing the drum and including registration means adapted to designate a particular segment of each ring on the drum;

detent means adapted'to terminate each rotation of the drum with one of the segments of each of the rings in alignment with the registration means of the housing;

a playing surface separated into a plurality of simulated golf holes all to the same scale and each including a fairway portion extending to a green portion;

said simulated golf holes including a plurality of full length holes and a plurality of holes wherein the end of each of the fairway portion remote from its corresponding green portion is truncated to represent a shortening thereof by the same scale distance;

each of said simulated golf holes on the playing surface including at least two registration indicia one on the green portion and the other at the end of the fairway portion remote from the green portion;

said truncated holes each having an additional reference indicia on the fairway portion;

a direction and distance determining member having the same scale as the golf holes and adapted to overlay the golf holes on the playing surface comprising a plurality of arcuately spaced direction lines each having a plurality of distance indication indicia formed thereon in accordance with the scale of the golf holes on the playing surface;

said direction and distance determining member further comprising spaced registration indicia adapted for alignment with the registration indicia of the simulated golf holes on the playing surface;

said reference indicia and the direction and distance determining member including first, second and third reference marks, which when utilized in conjunction with said full length hole, said first reference mark on said member is aligned with said registration indicia on said fairway portion remote from said green portion and said third reference mark is aligned with said registration indicia on said green portion, also which when utilized in conjunction with said truncated hole an initial shot only is made with said second reference mark on said member aligned with said registration indicia on said truncated hole furthest remote from said green portion and said third reference mark aligned with said additional reference indicia on said fairway portion, and which when second and subsequent shots on the truncated hole are made said first reference mark on said member is aligned with a terminal point of said immediately preceding 'shot on said truncated hole and said second reference mark on said member is aligned with said registration indicia on said green portion,

whereby said drum and said direction and distance determining member cooperate to establish a path over the golf holes on the playing surface.

6. The simulated golf game according to claim wherein the golf holes on the playing surface are further characterized by:

a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from the green portion through the fairway portion to a tee portion;

the reference indicia of each par three hole comprising a first reference point on the tee portion and a second reference point on the green portion;

a plurality of par four and par five holes each extending from the green portion through the fairway portion to a truncated end of the fairway portion;

the reference indicia of each par four and par five holes comprising first reference indicia at the truncated end of the fairway, a second reference point generally centrally relative to the fairway, and a third reference point on the green portion.

7. The simulated golf game according to claim 6 wherein all of the par four and par five holes on the playing surface are shortened by the same predetermined amount to provide the truncated ends of the fairway portions, and wherein the direction and distance determining member is further characterized by first reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference points on the tee portions of the par three holes and second reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes.

8. In a simulated golf game of the type including a playing surface comprising a plurality of golf holes all to the same scale, a direction and distance plotter having the same scale as the golf holes, and a chance apparatus adapted for cooperation with the direction and distance plotter to establish a path over the golf holes, the improvement comprising:

a plurality of par three holes each comprising a fairway portion extending full length between a green portion and tee portion;

reference indicia on the tee portion and on the green portion of each par three hole;

first and second reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter for cooperation with the reference indicia on the tee portions and the green portions of the par three holes, respectively, to position the plotter with respect to the par three holes;

a plurality of par four and par five holes each comprising a fairway portion extending from a green portion to a truncated end;

each of said par four and par five holes comprising reference indicia at the truncated end, reference indicia on the fairway portion, and reference indicia on the green portion; and

third reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter for cooperation with the reference indicia at the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes;

said second and third reference indicia on the distance and direction plotter for cooperation with the reference indicia on the fairway portions and with the reference indicia at the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes, respectively, to position the distance and direction plotter with respect to the par four and par five holes.

9. The improvement according to claim 8 wherein at least certain of the golf holes comprise golfing hazards and further including at least one additional reference indicia on the fairway portion of each simulated golf 5 hole having a golfing hazard for cooperation with the first reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter to position the plotter relative to the simulated golf hole.

10. The improvement according to claim 8 wherein the chance means is further characterized by:

, 11. A simulated golf game comprising:

a simulated golf course including a plurality of golf holes all on the same scale and each including a fairway portion extending to a green portion;

the simulated golf course including a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from the green portion through the fairway portion to a tee portion and each including reference indicia on the tee portion and on the green portion;

the simulated golf course further including a plurality of par four and par five holes each having the end of the fairway portion remote from the green portion truncated by a predetermined distance and each including reference indicia on the truncated end of the fairway portion, on the fairway portion at a point intermediate the truncated end and the green portion, and on the green portion;

a distance and direction plotter adapted to overlie the simulated golf course and comprising a plurality of arcuately arranged direction lines each divided into distance indications having the same scale as the golf holes of the simulated golf course;

the distance and direction determining plotter further including first reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the tee por tions of the par three holes, second reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the truncated ends of the fairway portions of the par four and par five holes, and third reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the fairway portions and the green portions of the golf holes to align the distance direction plotter with respect thereto;

a drum supported for rotation about its axis;

means separating the periphery of the drum into a plurality of axially spaced rings each corresponding either to a particular golf club or to a particular golf shot;

means separating each ring on the periphery of the drum into a plurality of circumferentially extending segments each corresponding either to a particular direction and distance indication on the direction and distance plotter or to the result of a particular golf shot;

a housing substantially enclosing the drum and including aperture means for exposing one segment of each ring of the drum; and

detent means for terminating each rotation of the drum with a randomly selected distance and direction indicating segment of each ring exposed through the aperture means of the housing.

12. The simulated golf game according to claim 11 wherein the distance and direction plotter further includes means for measuring a distance between the reference indicia on the green portions of the golf holes and the terminal point of the path of a player extending along the hole, and wherein the drum further includes a plurality of rings each corresponding to a particular range of distance from the reference indicia on the greens of the golf holes and adapted to determine the number of putts necessary to complete the golf hole.

13. The simulated golf game according to claim 12 wherein the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course are printed on the opposite side of a flexible sheet having hard, smooth surfaces adapted for marking to indicate a path over the simulated golf course and thereafter for cleaning to permit reuse.

14. The simulated golf game according to claim 12 wherein at least some of the golf holes comprising simulated golf course comprise golfing hazards and further including additional reference indicia on each golf hole having a golfing hazard for cooperation with the first reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter to align the plotter with respect to the golf holes.

H .v I I I y r( g;g?0: UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,819,185 Dated June 25, 1974 n ofl ROBERT C LOWTHER It is oertified that error appears in the ahove-idantifid patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 16 change apparatus" should b n n n n -chance apparatus; V

Column 1', line 41 have include" should be -ha'v e inc1uded-; Column 3, line 46 "uti;i zed" should be --util-ized-;

Co1umn6, line 23 "similated" shouldqbe -simulated--;

Column 6, line 64 "referenge 32" should be -referen.ce point '32 Column 8, line 41 ,"vopenin 'f' should be -.-o ening'-;

Column 10, lineSl "inidi'Cia" should be '--i di Signed and sealed this 19th day of November 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY GIBSON'JR. T c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer j Commissioner of Patents 

1. A simulated golf game comprisiNg: a playing surface comprising a plurality of golf holes all to the same scale and each including a fairway portion extending to a green portion; said golf holes including a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from the green portion through the fairway portion to a tee portion and each including reference indicia on the tee portion and on the green portion; said golf holes further including a plurality of par four and par five holes each having the end of the fairway portion opposite the green portion truncated by the same predetermined distance and each including reference indicia on the truncated end of the fairway portion, on the fairway portion, and on the green portion; a distance and direction plotter adapted to overlie the golf holes of the playing surface and comprising a plurality of arcuately arranged direction lines each divided into distance indications having the same scale as the golf holes; said distance and direction plotter further including first reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the tee portions of the par three holes, second reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes, and third reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the fairway portions and the green portions of the golf holes on the playing surface to properly align the distance and direction plotter with respect thereto; and chance means adapted for actuation to select both one of the direction lines on the distance and direction plotter and one of the distance indications on the selected direction line whereby the path of a player over each golf hole is determined by the cooperation of the distance and direction plotter and the chance means.
 2. The simulated golf game according to claim 1 wherein the chance means comprises: a drum supported for rotation about its axis and comprising a plurality of axially spaced rings each corresponding to a particular golf club; each of said rings on the drum in turn being separated into a plurality of segments corresponding to one of the direction lines and a particular distance indication thereon of the distance and direction plotter; and detent means for terminating each rotation of the drum with one of the segments of each ring in a particular orientation.
 3. The simulated golf game according to claim 2 further including a housing enclosing the drum of the chance means and having an elongate aperture formed through it which extends parallel to the axis of the drum, and wherein the detent means functions to terminate each rotation of the drum with one of the segments of each ring exposed through the aperture of the housing.
 4. The simulated golf game according to claim 1 wherein the distance and direction determining means further includes means for measuring the distance between the reference inidicia on the green portions of the simulated golf holes and the terminal point of the path of each player extending along the fairway portion to the green portion, and wherein the chance means further includes means for determining the number of putts necessary to complete the course of the golf ball to the reference indicia on the green in accordance with the distance between the terminus of the preceding portion of the path and the reference indicia on the green portion.
 5. A simulated golf game comprising: a drum supported for rotation about its axis; means separating the periphery of the drum into a plurality of axially spaced rings each corresponding to a particular golf club and for separating each ring into a plurality of circumferentially spaced segments each corresponding to a particular golf shot direction and distance; a housing substantially enclosing the drum and including registration means adapted to designate a particular segment of each ring on the drum; detent means adapted to terminate each rotation of the drum with oNe of the segments of each of the rings in alignment with the registration means of the housing; a playing surface separated into a plurality of simulated golf holes all to the same scale and each including a fairway portion extending to a green portion; said simulated golf holes including a plurality of full length holes and a plurality of holes wherein the end of each of the fairway portion remote from its corresponding green portion is truncated to represent a shortening thereof by the same scale distance; each of said simulated golf holes on the playing surface including at least two registration indicia one on the green portion and the other at the end of the fairway portion remote from the green portion; said truncated holes each having an additional reference indicia on the fairway portion; a direction and distance determining member having the same scale as the golf holes and adapted to overlay the golf holes on the playing surface comprising a plurality of arcuately spaced direction lines each having a plurality of distance indication indicia formed thereon in accordance with the scale of the golf holes on the playing surface; said direction and distance determining member further comprising spaced registration indicia adapted for alignment with the registration indicia of the simulated golf holes on the playing surface; said reference indicia and the direction and distance determining member including first, second and third reference marks, which when utilized in conjunction with said full length hole, said first reference mark on said member is aligned with said registration indicia on said fairway portion remote from said green portion and said third reference mark is aligned with said registration indicia on said green portion, also which when utilized in conjunction with said truncated hole an initial shot only is made with said second reference mark on said member aligned with said registration indicia on said truncated hole furthest remote from said green portion and said third reference mark aligned with said additional reference indicia on said fairway portion, and which when second and subsequent shots on the truncated hole are made said first reference mark on said member is aligned with a terminal point of said immediately preceding shot on said truncated hole and said second reference mark on said member is aligned with said registration indicia on said green portion, whereby said drum and said direction and distance determining member cooperate to establish a path over the golf holes on the playing surface.
 6. The simulated golf game according to claim 5 wherein the golf holes on the playing surface are further characterized by: a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from the green portion through the fairway portion to a tee portion; the reference indicia of each par three hole comprising a first reference point on the tee portion and a second reference point on the green portion; a plurality of par four and par five holes each extending from the green portion through the fairway portion to a truncated end of the fairway portion; the reference indicia of each par four and par five holes comprising first reference indicia at the truncated end of the fairway, a second reference point generally centrally relative to the fairway, and a third reference point on the green portion.
 7. The simulated golf game according to claim 6 wherein all of the par four and par five holes on the playing surface are shortened by the same predetermined amount to provide the truncated ends of the fairway portions, and wherein the direction and distance determining member is further characterized by first reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference points on the tee portions of the par three holes and second reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes.
 8. In a simulated golf game of the type incLuding a playing surface comprising a plurality of golf holes all to the same scale, a direction and distance plotter having the same scale as the golf holes, and a chance apparatus adapted for cooperation with the direction and distance plotter to establish a path over the golf holes, the improvement comprising: a plurality of par three holes each comprising a fairway portion extending full length between a green portion and tee portion; reference indicia on the tee portion and on the green portion of each par three hole; first and second reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter for cooperation with the reference indicia on the tee portions and the green portions of the par three holes, respectively, to position the plotter with respect to the par three holes; a plurality of par four and par five holes each comprising a fairway portion extending from a green portion to a truncated end; each of said par four and par five holes comprising reference indicia at the truncated end, reference indicia on the fairway portion, and reference indicia on the green portion; and third reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter for cooperation with the reference indicia at the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes; said second and third reference indicia on the distance and direction plotter for cooperation with the reference indicia on the fairway portions and with the reference indicia at the truncated ends of the par four and par five holes, respectively, to position the distance and direction plotter with respect to the par four and par five holes.
 9. The improvement according to claim 8 wherein at least certain of the golf holes comprise golfing hazards and further including at least one additional reference indicia on the fairway portion of each simulated golf hole having a golfing hazard for cooperation with the first reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter to position the plotter relative to the simulated golf hole.
 10. The improvement according to claim 8 wherein the chance means is further characterized by: a drum supported for rotation about its axis; means separating the periphery of the drum into a plurality of axially spaced rings each corresponding to a particular golf club; and means separating each ring on the drum into a plurality of circumferentially extending segments each corresponding to a particular direction and distance on the direction and distance plotter.
 11. A simulated golf game comprising: a simulated golf course including a plurality of golf holes all on the same scale and each including a fairway portion extending to a green portion; the simulated golf course including a plurality of par three holes each extending full length from the green portion through the fairway portion to a tee portion and each including reference indicia on the tee portion and on the green portion; the simulated golf course further including a plurality of par four and par five holes each having the end of the fairway portion remote from the green portion truncated by a predetermined distance and each including reference indicia on the truncated end of the fairway portion, on the fairway portion at a point intermediate the truncated end and the green portion, and on the green portion; a distance and direction plotter adapted to overlie the simulated golf course and comprising a plurality of arcuately arranged direction lines each divided into distance indications having the same scale as the golf holes of the simulated golf course; the distance and direction determining plotter further including first reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the tee portions of the par three holes, second reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the truncated ends of the fairway portions of the par four and par five holes, and third reference indicia adapted for alignment with the reference indicia on the fairwaY portions and the green portions of the golf holes to align the distance direction plotter with respect thereto; a drum supported for rotation about its axis; means separating the periphery of the drum into a plurality of axially spaced rings each corresponding either to a particular golf club or to a particular golf shot; means separating each ring on the periphery of the drum into a plurality of circumferentially extending segments each corresponding either to a particular direction and distance indication on the direction and distance plotter or to the result of a particular golf shot; a housing substantially enclosing the drum and including aperture means for exposing one segment of each ring of the drum; and detent means for terminating each rotation of the drum with a randomly selected distance and direction indicating segment of each ring exposed through the aperture means of the housing.
 12. The simulated golf game according to claim 11 wherein the distance and direction plotter further includes means for measuring a distance between the reference indicia on the green portions of the golf holes and the terminal point of the path of a player extending along the hole, and wherein the drum further includes a plurality of rings each corresponding to a particular range of distance from the reference indicia on the greens of the golf holes and adapted to determine the number of putts necessary to complete the golf hole.
 13. The simulated golf game according to claim 12 wherein the golf holes comprising the simulated golf course are printed on the opposite side of a flexible sheet having hard, smooth surfaces adapted for marking to indicate a path over the simulated golf course and thereafter for cleaning to permit reuse.
 14. The simulated golf game according to claim 12 wherein at least some of the golf holes comprising simulated golf course comprise golfing hazards and further including additional reference indicia on each golf hole having a golfing hazard for cooperation with the first reference indicia on the direction and distance plotter to align the plotter with respect to the golf holes. 